It has always been a dream of mine to write books. Yes, that was plural. I have been working on several book ideas and writings for YEARS, but never to the point of putting anything out to get published. Did a few articles here and there, a few for relevant magazine, and a few for church groups…but no books.
I got a book agent a few years back that believed in my writing abilities and what I had to offer in the way of thoughts on paper (suckered that guy into being my agent really).
But – it took a new good friend, Daniel McNaughton from Philly, hooking up with me in Dallas and putting a great opportunity to co-write and expand the idea of discipleship – to get my butt to sit down long enough to punch out some writing for a book.
And guess what!?
It is going to be out this FALL.
LEARNING TO FOLLOW JESUS -by Daniel McNaughton and Trinity Jordan
The book is designed for those that are new to following Jesus and walks them through 7 attributes that are essential to learn in our journey with Jesus. It was designed with the idea that a new believer would have a spiritual coach/mentor walk with them through these essentials. No more discipleship classes, no more expecting people to just “get it” when they come around long enough. This is a strategic attempt to teach and get one-on-one discipleship in place.
Maybe it will never blow up anywhere else, but for Daniel’s church and Elevation…we will become churches that are committed to discipleship by individuals. As my friend JR Mahon calls it, “table top evangelism.”
Here is the first concept cover for the book…designed of course by Elevation Studios (Brandon Irwin).
So excited to be working again…full-time in the office with all the coolest peeps in the world. It is no secret that I am a workaholic, so my fix is back. I have learned a few lessons while I was on sabbatical that I am ready to incoporate into my life now.
I am called by God to be a husband and father first. I get one shot with these little girls, their whole lives will be shaped by how I father them. My family deserves my attention more than an email, phone call, or random thought.
No more doing what I am not good at. I know what I am good at and I will pour myself into that when it comes to pastoring and leading. What I am not good at…I will pray that God shows me someone who is and put that person in charge.
I need to take ALL my vacation days every year! Never done it…must do it. For my own sanity.
Elevation, though they took a drop in attendance & money while I was gone, is not MINE. This is Jesus’ church and he will do as he wills. I will listen, but I will not carry this on my shoulders, I will place it on his.
Costa Rican coffee is the best. (Just saying)
I miss my friends at Elevation. I miss your encouragement and your passion to live life.
I am not going to wait until some time in the future to attempt to do the things that God has placed in my heart to do…I’m going after them now, whether you like it or not.
I placed too much of my worth on the success or failure of Elevation.
Excited to be back…excited to annoy everyone again with my thoughts. Excited to teach the Bible and live life with some great people.
I’m so proud of Elevation and everything we’ve accomplished together. We have been doing big, amazing things and our efforts have been so successful. I love this job and I love this church. There is nowhere I’d rather be and no other group of people that I’d rather be working with. I’m so appreciative of all of the support you’ve given me. In the process of everything we’ve been doing, I have taken on a lot of responsibilities, because there are so many things I want to be doing and so many valuable things to be done. Everything is going well, but I’m starting to feel a bit overworked and a lot exhausted…and I’m realizing that it’s time for me to ask for your grace while I take a break.
I love you so much and I want to be here and be everything I can for you and do everything I can for you. My heart is here and I know that when I take a break from being here, I’ll miss you instantly, but I want to be sure that I’m taking good care of myself and my family and that I’m setting aside some time to just live in God’s peace and rest. I’m a big advocate of making sure other people take time away from things before they get to the point of being burnt out, but that isn’t advice that I’ve ever been able to apply to myself. This time, I’m going to try to take my own advice and take some time away at the point where I recognize that I need it rather than waiting until it’s long overdue.
I’m really thankful that we have a staff that I’m comfortable entrusting things to in my absence and I’m equally thankful that I have a church that I know loves me enough to allow me to do this…and who, I hope, will miss me while I’m gone! But I’m sure you will not even notice I’m gone and things will actually get done in my absence!
They are following up on my medication that they are giving me.
There are a few side effects, not that you really want to know what they are…but I’ll get to talk to them about those today.
I’ve been super sick this week, probably the sickest I’ve been in the last year or so, good timing for the doctor’s office as they can take care of that as well while I’m there.
I think I’ll treat myself to a Jamba Juice after I get out of the doctor’s office or go grab Starbucks, both are tops in my book.
Posted July 26th, 2010 by trinity 
